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Steven Gerrard insists Rangers can’t afford any title slip-ups like a year ago – because the team who make the least will be champs. The Ibrox side take on St Mirren in their first Premiership game after the winter break on Wednesday night sitting neck and neck with Celtic at the top.

Last term, Gers’ title tilt was derailed when they returned with a 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

And given the consistency of both Old Firm clubs so far, Gerrard warned his players against a repeat in midweek.

He said: “Both teams, where we sit right now, face hectic fixture schedules. It would be highly unlikely that both will be perfect until the end of the season.

“But it could be a case of who makes the least mistakes has the more successful end to the campaign.

“We’ve both raised the bar, Celtic are hungry and consistent. But we can only focus on ourselves and it’s my job to have the players ready for St Mirren.

“Our mentality has improved in the last 12 months, it’s been really impressive. With games coming thick and fast, we’re going to have to be ready.

“We don’t have room for mistakes moving forward. And with the consistency of ourselves and Celtic, I don’t see much changing. We’re going to have to be on it, to continue to be as hungry for as long as we can.

“A year ago, we didn’t expect our Scottish Cup tie against Cowdenbeath to be called off. If it hadn’t, we would probably have been in better shape going to Kilmarnock.

“That’s why we had a game in Dubai and we had a bounce game against Queen of the South yesterday. You try to learn your lessons.”

Gerrard was disappointed with aspects of his shadow side’s 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Stranraer on Friday.

He was frustrated that fringe players failed to take their chances with stand-out displays against the League One outfit.

And with Gers about to embark on a nerve-shredding title race with Celtic, Gerrard insisted: “I need everyone to stand up and be counted. There is half a season left and a lot of football to be played.

“Things happen like injuries, suspensions, a loss of form. People around it have to push and grab the opportunities.”